Looking back at summer 2013

By STAFF REPORTS / Daily News

Published: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 06:01 PM.

Looking back on the summer of 2013, most folks remember rain. Emerald Coast residents and visitors dodged raindrops and thunderstorms nearly every day from Memorial Day on. In between, we found ways to have funa nd enjoy beaches, boating and beautiful sunsets.

Red flags flew regularly on local beaches and at least nine people died after being pulled from the Gulf of Mexico. Countless others were rescued by lifeguards or fellow beachgoers, some of whom never made it out themselves.

Bed tax numbers in Santa Rosa and Walton counties continued to climb while Okaloosa's remained flat. The Fourth of July weekend was one of the rainiest anyone could remember, which meant big spending at movie theaters and other indoor attractions.

Looking back on the summer of 2013, most folks remember rain. Emerald Coast residents and visitors dodged raindrops and thunderstorms nearly every day from Memorial Day on. In between, we found ways to have funa nd enjoy beaches, boating and beautiful sunsets.

Red flags flew regularly on local beaches and at least nine people died after being pulled from the Gulf of Mexico. Countless others were rescued by lifeguards or fellow beachgoers, some of whom never made it out themselves.

Bed tax numbers in Santa Rosa and Walton counties continued to climb while Okaloosa's remained flat. The Fourth of July weekend was one of the rainiest anyone could remember, which meant big spending at movie theaters and other indoor attractions.